Oxford Canal, Canals, Boat people, Bargemen, Canal boats, Canal Boat Inspectors, Transcriptions, 19th century, Lower Heyford, George James Dew, Health regulations, Public records 

The Parliamentary Actos of 1877 and 1884 brought in the registration of canal boats to ensure that only the registered number of people lived on them and that conditions on board each boat were maintained at a level considered fit for human occupation. These two Acts, and the many minor additions to them, are the reason for the Canal Boat Inspector's Books which are the subject of this book. The two Books which comprise this transcription were created by george james dew, Canal Boat Inspector at Lower Heyford. Each book contains the number of the inspection, date of the inspection, name, registration number, place and date of the boat, name and address of the owner and the master/captain. It also includes the number of persons the boat is registered to house, the numbers of people occupying the boat and an assessment of the condition and cleanliness of the vessel.